The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged international cable network GOTV to stop airing the Christian televangelism program Faith on its main channel, calling the decision “offensive, nauseating, and denigrating” to Nigerian Muslims.
In a statement signed by MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group expressed dissatisfaction with the placement of the Faith program on GOTV’s top channel, which was previously reserved for advertising other programs. The group views this decision as a deliberate imposition of Christian content on viewers, many of whom may not share the same religious beliefs.
According to MURIC, the placement of Faith forces viewers to watch Christian televangelism by default whenever they turn on their televisions. The organization described this practice as “religious apartheid,” arguing that it infringes on the rights of Muslim viewers by disregarding their freedom of choice in selecting TV programming.
MURIC contends that GOTV’s decision is divisive and unfair to Muslims in Nigeria, emphasizing that it violates the rights of Muslim customers. The group insists that the prominence given to the Faith program undermines the principle of inclusivity and respect for diverse religious beliefs in a pluralistic society.
As a resolution, MURIC has demanded that GOTV relocate the Faith program to a different channel and return the first channel to its original purpose. They have issued an ultimatum, calling on the network to address their concerns by December 9, 2024. Failure to do so, MURIC warns, may result in peaceful actions, including encouraging Muslims to unsubscribe from GOTV services.
“Meanwhile, MURIC appeals to Nigerian Muslims to continue to exercise patience and to remain peaceful and calm. We must not give in to provocation, lawlessness, and violence,” the statement reads. The group also reiterated the importance of maintaining decorum and adhering to lawful means to address grievances.
MURIC further advised GOTV to revert to its previous system, where the last channel viewed by customers would automatically appear upon switching on their televisions. They argued that this approach was more respectful to consumers and allowed for greater choice without imposing any particular content.
The group also highlighted the broader societal context, noting that Nigerians are already facing significant stress due to economic and social challenges. They warned that GOTV’s actions risk exacerbating tensions and divisions within the nation.
“The law is on our side, and we have the right to reject a service provider that has no respect for our faith or for its Muslim customers,” MURIC stated.
In conclusion, the group appealed to GOTV to avoid unnecessary provocation and ensure its services respect Nigeria’s religious diversity.
